Panama - Colon - Panama Canal

Transiting the Canal North to South ( Atlantic to Pacific Oceans)

We had a lot of excitement on our first day through the canal.    One of the catamarans we were rafting up to had a broken engine.    The first couple attempts on tying up to our yacht did not go well as the captain was unable to steer properly with only one engine.      Day 1 we left Shelter Bay Marina and went through the first series of locks and then tied up on this huge commercial size mooring ball in Lake Gatun ( 4 hours of transit).   It was a very blustery day, causing lots of surface waves on the lake, which made it rocky all night.

Day 2 went much smoother, as luck would have it one of the other boats captain, Ollie is diesel mechanic and he spent the night working on the failed engine to get it in temporary working order.   Day 2 was wicked hot and took us 9 hours to finish transiting the canal on Valentine’s Day. 

Itiki, Illimite’ and Mai Tai rafted up through the canal a very tight fit. Gary was steering for the flotilla.

Day 2 was Valentine’s Day and Gary brought me to the Pacific Ocean! How Romantic

Gatun Lake Mooring Ball getting some fresh air before I cook breakfast for 6

On board Illimite’ we had 3 line handlers and a canal pilot advisor.  Our canal line handlers Jamil, Santiago and Mario, boy these guys could eat I kept the meals and snacks flowing for these 30 somethings.

Our very happy advisor Carlos

Sailing through the mountains 85 feet above sea level, beautiful Lake Gatun

The last lock, the pacific ocean is behind us!

A short video of the last lock in the canal.